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Do not support The Lower Class Brats.

Discussion in 'Music, punk scene & subcultures' started by thrashwitch666, Jul 11, 2012.

  1. thrashwitch666

    thrashwitch666 Member Forum Member


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    Dec 14, 2011
     
    On July 6th, 2012 I went out with some friends to a club in Portland, Oregon called Rotture. It was a mixture of queer and straight, male and female. We were celebrating one of our friend's last night in town. I had never been to a dance night at Rotture before but I frequent the metal shows that they host. We were aware that The Casualties were playing down stairs at The Branx, an all ages club which is connected to Rotture, because we saw them unloading their gear outside.

    Toward the end of our night I was dancing with on of my best female friends when I feel a hand smack my ass. I turned around and I see two men, one tall Niki Sixx look-a-like with black hair and the other short with bleach blond hair wearing heavily decorated street punk outfit. I didn't recognize either guy so right away I knew they were not from Portland. The shorter blond was obviously the one that touched me. They both quickly exited the building. I ran over to the rest of my friends and told them what happened. Then I got on my phone and looked up the other bands touring with The Casualties that night. The first band that popped up were The Lower Class Brats. A quick look at a cheesy band promo shot confirmed my suspicion. By myself I exited the building and looked for the Bones DeLarge and Marty Volume outside. I had no idea what I was going to say or do if I found them because at that point I was still in shock. I saw that they were all ready piled into their white tour van when I got outside. I honestly wasn't angry enough at that point to approach a tour van full of men by myself, one or arguably two, of which had just sexually harassed me.

    The thoughts that raced through my head for the next 12 hours before writing this letter made me sick to my stomach. Some of you may read this about situation and think that it's not that big of a deal. I myself am jaded and used to a certain amount of sexism and sexist remarks. I am a woman that plays drums in punk and metal bands. That is an instrument usually played by men in two genres that are male dominated. Normally, I know how to confront the issues I encounter when I play shows. I've overheard and read comments about the way I look, been treated differently because of my gender and talked down to. Having someone actually physically touch you is totally different.

    I was surrounded by a crowd mostly made up of women, dancing in what I thought was a safe environment. I was one of the only straight girls that looked to be a part of the punk or metal scene at Rotture that night. I feel like I was targeted for that reason. It saddens me that a man would feel that it's somehow okay to touch a female because we're a part of the same scene. I'm no one's property. That's the least punk behavior I can think of. I ask club promoters to quit booking The Lower Class Brats because if they do so they are putting women in their clubs at risk. I ask the punk scene to police itself and protect your communities from misogynist behavior. Do not support this band until they issue a of statement of apology and guarantee that they will no longer harass women.

    I really don't know much about The Lower Class Brats but now I know that their ethics do not match the costumes that they wear. It's that kind of behavior that makes a joke out of punk. It's this kind of disrespectful drunk punk behavior that I find shameful about the punk scene. I feel violated and disappointed on so many levels. The punk scene has saved my life, it's who I am and it's helped me grow into the amazingly strong female that I am today. I can't help but feel defensive about it when some rock star idiot just wants to use it to get laid, dress in a costume and have a shtick so their band seems more edgy. In my opinion The Lower Class Brats are posers and can fuck off.

    I have all ready emailed the above statement to MRR and the manager of both of the clubs. Please help me pass the word along. They are on tour right now and a lot of the dates are all ages.
     

  2. punkmar77

    punkmar77 Experienced Member Uploader Experienced member


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    Wow...Vinny our singer had warned me about those guys being douchebags a long time ago but I had no idea they were that despicable...I'm sorry you had to go through that.
     
  3. Bentheanarchist

    Bentheanarchist Experienced Member Uploader Experienced member


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    Dec 10, 2010
     
    Fuck sexism! I dont listen to them and definently wont listen to them now.
     
  4. Hammerchrist

    Hammerchrist Member Forum Member


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    Oct 18, 2010
     
    Wow, that fucking sucks. I have friends that have known Bones for years and told me they didn't care for the guy that much, but I thought it was because of the style of punk "rock n roll" they played. I will not be supporting this band anymore. Fuck those misogynistic Assclowns! Sorry they put you in that position.
     
  5. landon brooks

    landon brooks Member Forum Member


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    Jul 7, 2012
     
    they are playing Pensacola in a few weeks. im moving to St. Louis before then but i will be sure to pass the word along. this is fucked. sorry dude.. :ecouteurs:
     
  6. thrashwitch666

    thrashwitch666 Member Forum Member


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    Dec 14, 2011
     
    Thanks guys, I appreciate the support.
     
  7. Turkey Baster Records

    Turkey Baster Records New Member New Member


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    Jul 13, 2012
     
    Lauren

    Let me start by saying that what happened to you was absolutely wrong and you have every right to feel humiliated, embarrased and angry. Its sad that people seem to think its ok
    to touch others in an inappropriate way...whether its male or female...its wrong either way.

    Its also unfortunate when someone is accused of something that he no knowledge of. To spend 5 minutes in a bar in a strange town and then to find out that his name is being blasted all over the internet
    for something he didnt do is wrong also.

    My name is Rick Magee and I run Turkey Baster Records, and I put out the LOWER CLASS BRATS latest record. No attempt was made to reach me or the band about this matter.

    I dont care of if anyone likes the band or not....I happen to think they are a great band , and are great people as well who would never put up with this type of behavior.

    Let me tell you about the Bones that I know:

    I met Bones 20 years ago. I had just moved to Austin and didnt know a soul in the punk community. He was the first person I met. He took me in and introduced me to his friends and treated me like family, and we have been close friends ever since.
    I have never seen Bones treat any woman with anything but the utmost respect. If you actually knew Bones you would know that he is not an aggressive person, even after having a few beers. Its kinda hard to be aggressive when you weigh all of 105
    pounds..wet.
    Bones was the first straight man that I ever came out to and told that I am gay. He accepted me instantly and has always been respectful of my sexuality. I would never remain friends with someone for 20 years who was racist, homophobic or sexist.

    Im included a letter from Bones himself. He feels terrible about what happened to you, but is confused as to why you picked him out of a crowd to accuse.
    Peace,
    Rick Magee
    Turkey Baster Records
    dmnpaperboy@sbcglobal.net

    FROM Bones of Lower Class Brats


    In response to Lauren's P.'s sexual harassment accusation that took place on July 6th at Rotture (upstairs from Branx in Portland OR).
    My band Lower Class Brats had just played at Branx. After the show our guitarist Marty and I had went upstairs to the bar for one last drink before joining the rest of our band and heading to Seattle. We were in the bar for five minutes. Ordered drinks, quickly drank them and left.
    Inebriated as I was that night, I was fully aware of myself and did not, nor would ever slap the behind of a stranger. This is not something within my nature. nor Marty's. I may act crazy on stage, but I'm not a disrespectful idiot and find no humor in making others feel victimized.


    I'm not denying that someone has assaulted Lauren. But I am saying it wasn't me. There was a lot of other people in that bar that night. I'm sure that Lauren was surrounded by many people she knew and so naturally a non-local "outsider" as myself could be considered a suspect.
    It seems that being an out of towner put me at a disadvantage. By reading Lauren's words it seems she feels no resident of Portland would ever treat her to the disrespect that was bestowed upon her at Rotture. Thus it must have been the "posers who play in a shitty band".
    My group are not misogynistic or rock stars, just a punk band. Had she had come up and confronted me personally about this so we could have straightened things out in person. But I understand that one woman coming up to 4 strange men is an intimidating situation to risk. A smart move on her part. But accusing someone of assault with no witnesses or proof? Not very nice. Let me be clear here: I'm not trying to make Lauren P. look bad for standing up for herself. She is doing a bold thing, however I'll state again. It wasn't the person who grabbed her behind. I know it, and people who know me personally know I am not capable of it as well,.
    Since this incident Lauren never tried to contact our band or our label direct. Instead she's opted to post on Facebook, write to multiple zines and to clubs asking them to not book us, warning that by doing so they are "putting women in your clubs at risk". That hurts, and it's untrue. We have been a band for over 15 years, we've toured all over the globe multiple times. If we were a bunch of grabby pigs, it wouldn't have taken 15 years for a story to surface.

    Lauren - I'm very sorry this happened to you. Had you chosen to contact us direct there could have been a chance we reached an understanding and I could defend myself. But since you didn't , I did not feel appropriate contacting you personally so, I too, will use a public forum in hopes this message reaches you. It's a shame that this happened. You didn't deserve it and I certainly hope that it doesn't sour you on being a musician in the punk scene. In your own words you stated that you are used being judged by your gender and looks and it's made you somewhat jaded. That's a shame, and it's not fair. However, with the way you carried on personally attacking my band and I, it's hard not to feel that same sort of prejudice being thrown at us cause our vision of punk rock music and dress doesn't fit yours.
    I wish you the best.
    Stay strong, rise above.

    -Bones
     
  8. thrashwitch666

    thrashwitch666 Member Forum Member


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    Dec 14, 2011
     
    My best friend who was dancing with who was faced directly toward Bones SAW what he did. She saw his face, his entire person and the person he was walking with.

    The two men walked out immediately after this happened, got into their van and left. I'm not about to walk up to a van full of dudes and CONFRONT them.

    I didn't contact the Lower Class Brats. I contacted their tour promoter, the club, their sponsors, Maximum Rock and Roll, and the clubs on their future dates. I also emailed the bands that they play with. Why on earth would I contact the person who harassed me?
     
  9. AgentOrange

    AgentOrange Experienced Member Experienced member Forum Member


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    Sep 28, 2010
     
    to ask "why?"?

    it`s a communication problem, i guess.

    what you did, whether it is understandable or not (of course it IS), is taking revenge, and trying to protect others from the danger you saw. but, thats just how prisons work, too. and don`t tell me our prison system has helped a single person to work on the things they did or not did.

    i know it`s the first reaction that comes to mind, especially if you aren`t used to direct confrontation (shall it be at the van or later via mail, no difference), but you also might question the way you choose.

    i don`t want to defend harrassment or anyone who did anything to you, neither your reaction, i just want you to think in an additional direction. it`s not only about taking revenge and protect others, it should be also about "getting behind" what the other did - with him - to find out why he did so and whats behind that. call it therapy, call it reflection, but it`s important in order to help the "criminal" to handle the situation, and by doing this maybe preventing other similar situations, what might be as effective or even better than (only?) the "prison-option".

    just some thoughts from me dircted to anyone who comes up with shit as happened to you.
     
  10. Derek Danger

    Derek Danger Experienced Member Experienced member Forum Member


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    Jan 29, 2010
     
    Oh, then I guess you guys are the fucking victims?! Sling your hook, asswad.
     
  11. Derek Danger

    Derek Danger Experienced Member Experienced member Forum Member


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    Do you know what a prison is? Prisons do not serve an entirely retributory or an entirely protective function. What Lauren did was not like putting this guy in prison. Lauren did what any responsible person does to respond to unacceptable and victimising behaviour in their community- talk about it openly. You're trying to turn this dude into a victim, just because Lauren had the guts to stand up and call him on his bullshit. You probably don't even realise, but there's a lot of cloaked misogyny in the implication that Lauren ought not to have spoken out about this, and that this "poor man"'s reputation is now tarnished. Fuck him, and his reputation. If he wants to run around doing bad things to people, he should expect somebody to stand up to him at some point and let everybody know that he's a piece of shit.

    The "way" Lauren chose was totally sound, dude. And you are defending harrassment and somebody who did something bad to her. If I get punched in the face or spat on or felt up or abused or harrassed or made to feel victimised by somebody and I know fucking well who did it, am I expected to call them up and have a chat? Or just keep quiet because I'm scared of what people will say? No, it's admirable to be strong enough to call the fucker out, regardless of what they'll say.

    you're obsessed with the idea that Lauren has "taken revenge" against this man. How did she do that? Seriously, I'd like you to explain in what way Lauren has been vengeful. Is it "vengeful" to let people in the community know about a threat to their safety and happiness?

    Help him? Why? Has he demonstrated he wants or needs help? Not fucking likely, he's actually denied the accusations. What if he had stabbed somebody? Or raped somebody? Would you think it was healthy to get the two of them around a table to talk about it? Why does he deserve so much protection, effort and care? Shouldn't his victim be, I dunno, the victim?
     
  12. Ivanovich

    Ivanovich Experienced Member Experienced member Forum Member


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    ^^^ Yeah, don't think I can add more to that.
     
  13. JesusCrust

    JesusCrust Experienced Member Experienced member Forum Member


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    Well, that's a laughable load of crap. Where you're coming from, whether it is understandable or not, (of course it IS,) is probably just about the silliest thing I've ever read.
     
  14. AgentOrange

    AgentOrange Experienced Member Experienced member Forum Member


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    well I`ve never said that "Lauren ought to not have spoken out about this", and fuck any reputation, aside.

    my problem is if people exclude one part of a problem while reacting to it, in this case the offender.
    (This is what i want to give Lauren on her way, although I KNOW its hard to do, but also very strong. no one forces HER to do so, but SOMEONE should, in my opinion, do, since its likely to be still a problem. its easier to get people to think if you talk WITH them than if you just talk/tell about them, point them out, and let them do the work of reflecting, what they most likely, won`t do. since he denies being the offender its very likely that he dont want to think about it...)

    of course its important to inform others about a possible threat, but in MY opinion its as important to work on the reasons WHY shit like this happened, and work on the insight about why harassment it NOT okay or if he thinks its okay, on the insight about why harassment it NOT funny. because whatever stood behind the action, there must be something. and as long as something isn`t recognised, it will just happen again. this is how therapy works.

    and by the way, I think I know best if i defend harassment or NOT. and i fucking hate aggressive behavior in the internetz, where anything it treated as offense, whether it be a stupid half-sentence that left some room for interpretation or a theory of REALLY solving an existing problem!
    a very close female friend of mine had a sort of horrible experience last week while hitchhiking back home, where a guy wanted to come "closer as she wanted him to", even slapped her in the face to get what he wanted. i don`t know if it was her slapping back or pure luck of the moment that stopped him... i don`t want to imagine the story the other way round. but, when I think about shit like this (call it a "social crime", cause i dont care if someone robs a bank...) i just ask myself "why do people shit like this?" and "do they KNOW why they do shit like this?"...

    calling things out doesn`t solve a problem. when they are visible to anyone, you (anyone) has to work on them to get them solved. free society won`t -poof- be there once capitalism broke down.

    revenge (also known as some stupid word that leaves a bit of room for interpretation). for me is whats left if you dont think about preventing future shit happening by working on the problem. so if the interest in doing so is not there (i dont want to imply this to anyone, especially Lauren), whats left is plain, protection of the community and punishment of the offender, whether it be by financially (dont support them!) or socially (keep away from them! exclude them from the community and so on). OF COURSE, it not directly revenge what happens then, but still, just punish a behavior without trying... aw shit, you know damn well what i mean, i guess...

    so this is the core problem in any case. people denying help or cooperation. what to do with it? i dont know. i used to say, if they want to get isolated, let them become isolated, but i dont know if thats the way that solves anything...
    so, if (I REALLY hope so for Lauren) Lauren has the support she needs to get on with the situation, someone should offer constructive support to the offender, too. in order to get the problem worked out. in order to, yes, solve it.

    and by saying this, i`m off into the garden...
     
  15. punkmar77

    punkmar77 Experienced Member Uploader Experienced member


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    Before everybody jumps on AO again what he is saying or trying to say is actually the way things would work in an anarchist community...and I for one agree that there is merit in his thoughts, we are not reactionaries...the offender is obviously in denial and he needs to figure out what the fuck is going on with him...But it's up to Lauren to decide not any of us..
     
  16. Derek Danger

    Derek Danger Experienced Member Experienced member Forum Member


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    I SAY AGAIN: IT IS THE HARRASSER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO GET HELP, (which he may, good on him, it would be an awesome step!) NOT THE VICTIM'S RESPONSIBILITY TO FACILITATE THAT. ANYTHING SHE DOES, AS LONG AS IT IS NOT OPENLY ANTAGONISTIC (and I think we can commend Lauren for being so reasonable and clear-headed about this), TO MAKE THE COMMUNITY AWARE OF HER VICTIMISATION IS ENTIRELY JUSTIFIED BY THE FACT OF THE ASSAULT!

    IT SHOULD NEVER BE THE VICTIM'S RESPONSIBILITY TO HOLD THEIR ATTACKER'S HAND AND LEAD THEM ON A FUCKING JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY. IF HE WANTS THAT, HE OUGHT TO SUMMON THE STRENGTH OF FUCKING CHARACTER TO TAKE SOME TIME OFF FROM HARRASSING WOMEN AND ASSOCIATING WITH HIS MISOGYNIST BUDDIES (have you seen their band photos where one wears a tshirt that say "the legend" with an arrow pointing at his cock?) AND SEEK HELP ON HIS OWN DAMN TIME.
     
  17. AgentOrange

    AgentOrange Experienced Member Experienced member Forum Member


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    and if the offender (who mustn`t be male exclusive, by the way. but i will stay here, at the given case.) wont try to work on himself, then the community he lives in has - in my opinion- also the responsibility to try helping him figure himself out, before just isolating him, banning him/whatnot.

    thank you for "harassing" me with useless capslock, by the way :S

    so you "said again" nothing new, but repeated things already said. so why that aggressive?
    i have neither said anywhere that Lauren shouldn`t be allowed to point shit out nor said anywhere that Lauren, and ONLY Lauren, has to help her harasser. so i suggest keeping your aggressions to something where they can be acutally useful energy. whatever comes to your mind.

    see, most times i write something on here, is because a real situation has made me think about a specific subject, and then a related subject here triggers this process, and getting the thoughts from a to b without being misunderstood is -i dont know why- rather hard. maybe there are just certain topics that are so pumped up with hatred or aggressive energy that reactions similar to yours up there are very likely to occur. whatever...
     
  18. punkmar77

    punkmar77 Experienced Member Uploader Experienced member


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    Again completely reactionary, you understand that in anarchism there is 100% consensus on the closing of all prisons and mental institutions, well how do you think that would work? What he is saying completely has merit whether you agree or not is your opinion of course but if you count yourself as an anarchist as I think you do then this suggestion of his isn't 'silly' or a 'laughable load of crap', it could be empowering to Lauren and arbitration such as he suggests is a major way to resolve conflict within anarchist circles and communities. No one is saying "Lauren has to do this!" it is merely a suggestion for a different approach.
     
  19. iflewoverthecuckoosnest

    iflewoverthecuckoosnest Active Member Forum Member


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    What Thrashwitch is doing is abso-fucking-lutely not comparable to throwing someone in prison. She is openly talking about a victimizing experience she had and is asking us to do something to prevent such behavior from being repeated in the future. She is not incarcerating anyone, she is not violating anyone's rights. In fact, her rights were violated, if anything; her rights to her own body and personal space. So she is asking that we stop supporting the hypocritical motherfuckers who violated those rights in the first place. How is this any different from boycotting an item in protest of a corporation's unjust behavior? In fact, what she is doing is constructive and healthy; she is speaking out and trying to exact some sort of change. We cannot tolerate chauvinism and sexual harassment in our community. If we are really what we claim to be, it has no place here. Rock on, Thrashwitch \m/
     
  20. Sick Boy 77

    Sick Boy 77 Experienced Member Uploader Experienced member


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    I met Bones once after a show and had my girlfriend, at the time, with me. To tell you the truth he wasn't an ass or anything like that. We said hello, shook hands and had about a 10 min. conversation about how the tour was going. When we left he said goodbye and nice to meet ya. He never made any weird or lewd comment towards my gf. It might of had to do with me being their but at the same time he was a really nice guy. There are two sides to every story. I am in no way saying what happened to you didn't happen. The guy probably was drunk off his ass and didn't remember what happened. I know I have done some dumb shit when I was drunk and still don't remember doing it. I will go off my personal experience with the guy. He treated me and my gf with respect.
     

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